Outer sole support

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an shock-absorbing pad for the outer sole of a shoe comprising: a cushioned pad, where the cushioned pad is configured in the shape of a shoe sole; a group of openings within the cushioned pad; and straps, where said straps may be inserted through the openings and provide a mechanism to attach the cushioned pad to the outer sole of a shoe. In one exemplary embodiment, the group of openings may include four openings in two rows and two columns. At least one strap may be utilized with the cushioned pad. In another particular embodiment, two straps are utilized with the cushioned pad.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a support pad applied to the outer soleof a shoe.

2. Description of Related Art

Many occupations require individuals to stand or walk for long periodsof time. Such standing eventually takes a toll upon an individual. Overa period of time an individual may develop aches and pains in theirfeet, legs, and back due to the prolonged standing. The conventionalshoe may provide some support for individual however additional paddingor equipment may be needed for extended periods of standing on hardsurfaces.

Some devices that address problems associated with prolonged standinginclude inserts that may be inserted inside a shoe or special paddingplaced on the floor to diminish the effects of prolonged standing.However these devices may not be sufficient to provide effectivesolutions to the problems that may develop in this area.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,251,932 discloses a foot cushioning device whichcomprises a sheet of rubber or rubber-like material that may be applieddirectly under and over the forward part of a shoe where the soleportion may be formed of a laminated structure of a sheet of rubbermaterial that constitutes the outer layer and an inner layer of similarrubber material inside a pocket within the structure. This deviceattempts to assist individuals who must stand on hard surfaces over aperiod of time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an shock-absorbing pad for the outersole of a shoe comprising: a cushioned pad, where the cushioned pad isconfigured in the shape of a shoe sole; a group of openings within thecushioned pad; and straps, where said straps may be inserted through theopenings and provide a means to attach the cushioned pad to the outersole of a shoe. In one exemplary embodiment, the group of openings mayinclude four openings in two rows and two columns. In another exemplaryembodiment, the cushioned pad is about 0.75 inches in thickness, about6.25 inches in width and 14 inches in length. At least one strap may beutilized with the cushioned pad. In another particular embodiment, twostraps are utilized with the cushioned pad.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an outer sole pad according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts straps utilized in conjunction with the outer sole padaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the outer sole pad according to thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides an outer sole shock-absorbing pad that isapplied over the outer sole of a shoe. The outer pad contemplated by thepresent invention provides a means to absorb shock and reduce some ofthe effects of prolonged standing on hard surfaces. The application ofthe outer sole pad helps to alleviate fatigue and pain associated withlong periods of standing.

The outer sole pad according to the present invention is depicted inFIG. 1. FIG. 1 provides a top view of an Outer Sole Pad 10 a, 10 b. Theouter sole pad 10 a, 10 b includes a group of openings 12 for theinsertion of Velcro straps for attachment to an individual's shoe. TheOuter Sole Pad 10 a, 10 b comes in various sizes to accommodate thevarious shoe sizes currently on the market. The outer sole pad 10 a, 10b is worn over the outer sole of the shoe or boot for an individual.Four Velcro straps are utilized in the openings 12 depicted in the OuterSole Pad 10 a, 10 b. The Velcro straps may include hook and loops inorder to secure the Outer Sole Pad 10 to the outer sole of anindividual's shoe. The straps are secured over the upper portion of anindividual's shoe and may be removed as desired.

The Outer Sole Pads 10 a, 10 b may be utilized with any pair of shoesand therefore are very flexible in use. The outer sole pads may besupplied for an individual or employees within a particular departmentfor use at different times or different shifts during a work day.

FIG. 2 shows exemplary Velcro Straps 14 a, 14 b that are utilized withthe Outer Sole Pad 10. FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the straps 14 a, 14b inserted through the openings 12 of the Outer Sole Pad 10 andextending upwardly out of the Outer Sole Pad 10. In one exemplaryembodiment, the pad 10 may be about 0.75 inches thick and the straps 14a, 14 b may be up to 16 inches in length and 1 inch in width. In anotherexemplary embodiment, the sole pad 10 may be about 6.25 inches in widthand 14 inches in length, although the dimensions may vary in order toaccommodate various sizes of shoes. In one particular embodiment, thegroup of openings 12 may include two rows and two columns of openingsequally spaced.

The objective of the Outer Sole Pad 10 is to provide a shock-absorbingpad for the outer sole of a shoe in order to assist in alleviating someof the problems associated with prolonged standing. The outer sole pad10 is appropriate for various occupations such as construction workers,maintenance individuals, security guards, or other individuals that muststand on their feet for an extended amount of time on hard surfaces. Theouter sole pad 10 also may be utilized in a manufacturing environmentwhere individuals must stand at a particular operation station over aparticular period of time.

1. An shock-absorbing pad for the outer sole of a shoe comprising: a. acushioned pad, where the cushioned pad is configured in the shape of ashoe sole; b. a group of openings within the cushioned pad; and c.straps, where said straps may be inserted through the openings andprovide a means to attach the cushioned pad to the outer sole of a shoe.2. The shock-absorbing pad according to claim 1, where the group ofopenings include four openings in two rows and two columns.
 3. Theshock-absorbing pad according to claim 1, where the cushioned pad isabout 0.75 inches in thickness.
 4. The shock-absorbing pad according toclaim 1, where the cushioned pad is about 6.25 inches in width and 14inches in length.
 5. The shock-absorbing pad according to claim 2, whereat least one strap is utilized with the cushioned pad.
 6. Theshock-absorbing pad according to claim 2, where two straps are utilizedwith the cushioned pad.
 7. The shock-absorbing pad according to claim 1,where the straps include a Velcro means of attachment.